Things to Do with Kids in Dorset
17 April 2026
Kids Activities in Dorset
Providing the backdrop for many beloved children’s stories, Dorset is the ideal setting for idyllic childhood adventures - although nowadays kids might prefer to swap the lashings of ginger beer for lashings of ice cream!
Building a sandcastle is surely the ultimate seaside activity for kids. The sandy beaches of Swanage, Sandbanks and Bournemouth are all good spots for this, but Weymouth is the premier destination for sandcastles. Weymouth sand is world-renowned for its sculpting properties, and you can take inspiration from the seafront sculptures that have been delighting children (and adults) for over 100 years. If you want to hone your skills, head over to nearby Sandworld to see how it’s done and learn from the work of sand artists from all over the world.
They may be unsuitable for sandcastles, but the rocky bays of Dorset offer an opportunity to discover the secrets of the sea with their rockpools and tidal ledges. Some favourite spots for rockpooling are Kimmeridge Bay, Charmouth Beach or Broad Ledge, Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis and Newtons Cove in Weymouth. Wear sensible footwear and always check the tide times before you go. Even better, join an organised rockpool ramble to find the best spots and learn more about the creatures you uncover.
You don’t have to go scrambling over rocks and wading through seaweed to come face to face with our coastal critters. Give crabbing a go and sit back and relax while the net does all the work. We recommend using a net with a bait bag – bacon usually goes down a treat – and make sure you bring a bucket so you can get a closer look at your catch. Weymouth Harbour, West Bay and Swanage are all great spots for crabbing. Follow the guidelines displayed at these locations to crab safely and kindly.
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Need to burn off some energy? Run wild while exploring Dorset’s past by having a mock battle at a historical monument. Re-enact a Civil War siege at Corfe Castle, or rampage like a Roman at Maiden Castle, the largest Iron Age hillfort in Britain. Nearby Maumbury Rings offers a more pushchair-friendly alternative, and the sloping sides are great for sliding down in the summer months.
There are some great outdoor play areas in Dorset, so why not do a park crawl and see how many you can visit during your stay? Some of our favourites include Poole Park, Hamworthy Park, Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth and Borough Gardens in Dorchester. You can also find excellent play trails at Durlston, Moors Valley and Upton Country Parks.
Struggling to tear your older kids away from their phones? Give geocaching a go and let the phones lead the way. All you need is a GPS-enabled device and a free account at geocaching.com and you can be taking part in the world’s largest treasure hunt.
To end your visit with a bang, head to one of the free summer fireworks displays. Throughout August, you can usually enjoy fireworks by the sea in a number of locations across the county, dates will be added to our events diary once confirmed.
Be sure to check out the family attractions and activity providers in Dorset, we have some of the best of them listed below!
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